The six biggest pubcos have agreed to honour new planning legislation ahead of it coming into force in July.

New rules designed to give pubs more protection from redevelopment will become law this summer as part of the Neighbourhood Planning Bill, although the final date in July is still to be confirmed.

The six UK tenanted pub companies with more than 500 sites each - Punch Taverns, Heineken, Marston’s, Greene King, EI Group and Admiral Taverns – as well as supermarket giants Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Co-op have all said they will abide by the legislation from now rather than waiting for it to become law.

The pubcos promise to adhere to the new rules earlier than required prompted Toby Perkins, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Pubs Group (APPPG), to dismiss previous warnings that the changes would cause a rush to close or demolish pubs ahead of July.

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) national chairman, Colin Valentine, welcomed the pledge as the campaign had previously issued a joint letter with the APPPG calling for the leading pubcos to honour the laws as soon as possible.

He said: “This act of good practice will bring confidence to pubgoers and pub campaigners who have fought tirelessly for these essential protections. I think this shows a real enthusiasm and willingness to work with pub campaigners across the country and is certainly welcome news to customers.”